Christopher S. Penn – Marketing AI Keynote Speaker

Once You Step Up, You Can Never Go Back

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Christopher S Penn
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Once You Step Up, You Can Never Go Back

One of my fondest memories of PodCamp Boston 2 was sitting at lunch on Sunday talking with one of my martial arts instructors, Dennis Mahoney, about profound knowledge and Sisyphus vs. stairs. I’m constantly in search of profound knowledge, which, as Anthony Robbins defines it, is knowledge that once you understand it, makes an immediate impact and difference in your life.

Sisyphus, for those who slept through mythology, was a king punished for trickery by the gods to a hellish fate: push a large rock up a hill, only to have it roll back down, and be forced to repeat that task for eternity.

Most people’s lives can be described as Sisyphean. They wake up, go to work, come home, drink and watch TV, fall asleep, and repeat the next day until one day when they don’t wake up any more. Many activities are the same – working out, for example, is Sisyphean. You benefit as long as you keep pushing, but the moment you stop, the boulder starts to roll down hill.

Stepping up is different. Profound knowledge enables stepping up. Once you understand something, once you grasp profound knowledge, you can’t go back to the person you used to be. You are forever changed, forever better, and nothing except extreme forgetfulness can ever force you to step back.

The example I cite often is the rule of thirds in photography. Look through your camera viewfinder, draw a tic-tac-toe grid on it, and position your subjects at the intersections of the vertical and horizontal lines. Immediately, anyone who doesn’t understand this technique will take better photographs if they practice it. There’s of course still tons to learn, from lighting to composition to aperture, etc. but just this one piece of profound knowledge changes you forever, and you can’t go back.

What are you doing in life that is Sisyphean, and how can you convert more of your life from pushing boulders to stepping up, making breakthroughs? What profound knowledge have you acquired in your life that you can share here in the comments?

Comments

31 responses to “Once You Step Up, You Can Never Go Back”

  1. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    The most profound things I’ve learned in 2007 are as follows:

    * There’s a huge difference between being busy and doing something. (most recent revelation).

    * Humans are still the most important focus of everything I do.

    With regards to stepping up, and/or spending time with your instructor, I think that’s amazing. You’ve certainly expressed your growth a great deal here on this site over the last several months. It’s exciting to watch, and inspiring for those around you.

    I find that what I’m learning at present is that I’ve hit a wall, and that I need to move up my game to another level if I’m to continue doing things that I think matter to others and to myself. You’ve been helpful in that regard.

    Peace and more discoveries to us all.

    Reply
  2. Connie Bensen Avatar
    Connie Bensen

    In 2007 I made a commitment to change careers & joining those in new media. People like @jowyang & @chrisbrogan have been so generous in their mentorship.
    I’ve learned that:
    – I thought I was satisfied with the status quo, but I’ve found I LOVE the learning curve enough to launch myself into a new career as a Comm Mgr

    – my genuine interest in people allows me to provide similar mentorship to others & that’s very gratifying to help others (whether it’s my coworkers,customers or peers)

    *it’s all about learning & sharing

    Reply
  3. Dr.Mani Avatar
    Dr.Mani

    My ‘profound knowledge’ this year:

    Email will wait in my inbox, even if I check it only 2 times in a day.

    And life still goes on.

    Surprising, initially.

    Liberating, ultimately 🙂

    Nice post

    All success
    Dr.Mani

    Reply
  4. Michael bailey Avatar
    Michael bailey

    I’ve learned that just because I am passionate about what I do, that is not enough.

    At the end of the day, there are bills to be paid.

    My unrealistic dream of someone taking notice of what I am doing, stepping in to help me out financially, has been shattered.

    In the end, nobody is going to help you – you must help your self.

    Many times I have wished that I didn’t know anything at all, for ignorance is bliss as they say.

    However…..I /WANT/ to make a difference and I /WILL/ make a difference – I’m taking steps at working smarter, and not harder, which is longer learning cycle than I ever imagined.

    Reply
  5. Dennis Mahoney Avatar
    Dennis Mahoney

    Profound knowledge can come from any source. It is that moment when you say to yourself “I get it!”

    In the martial arts there is a problem I call rankism, where people only listen to those that are higher ranked then them and look down at those lower ranked, kind of mirrors many other ‘isms’ in our society.

    Chris is a student at the martial arts school where I study and teach but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from him in the martial arts or especially in pod casting.

    PodCamp Boston 2 was an example of profound knowledge for me. All I can say is, “I get it!” and thanks.

    Reply
  6. ChefMark Avatar
    ChefMark

    engaging others in your possibility is the key to having that possibility become reality.

    You can have literally ANYTHING you want if you authentically get people to engage in it and see it as a possibility for themselves.

    And also, integrity: Do what you say you’re going to do, it’s the key to all success in life.

    Reply
  7. Michelle / chel pixie Avatar
    Michelle / chel pixie

    I’ve learned the most in the last few months by doing. I keep doing and continue to push forward and breakthrough. We both know I’ve hit my walls but I’ve been persistent in the knowledge that I can do more. I can do *anything* that I want. I can make my life what I want it to be.

    What ChefMark says here matters, if you do what you say you’re going to do, then you’ve shown you’re willing to work hard to achieve what you want.

    That was reinforced this morning. These things *are* in my reach, they always have been, it just means continuing to do what I know well (hard work) and being open to learning new things along the way.

    One last thing, do not allow your past to help you put down your accomplishments. Leave everything negative behind. You have a choice to make yourself who you want to be. Only you can take that away through fear or influence of others thoughts. Don’t let that noise get too loud. Believe in what you’ve done and what you are capable of and then do it.

    Reply
  8. mike mcallen Avatar
    mike mcallen

    I have had many instances of pushing boulders in my life. Each time this happens I make that realization and then I make a change.
    Learning for me is the greatest enforcer of a rich life. If I am not learning something new, I tend to fall into the Sisphean ways.
    In my head the grass is always greener. But always remembering that you can only control life right now. So enjoy it, but keep learning and looking for new grasses to enjoy.

    (Newest realization while writing this–> I sort of live like a cow. :))

    Great Post Mr Penn.

    Reply
  9. mike mcallen Avatar
    mike mcallen

    I have had many instances of pushing boulders in my life. Each time this happens I make that realization and then I make a change.
    Learning for me is the greatest enforcer of a rich life. If I am not learning something new, I tend to fall into the Sisphean ways.
    In my head the grass is always greener. But always remembering that you can only control life right now. So enjoy it, but keep learning and looking for new grasses to enjoy.

    (Newest realization while writing this–> I sort of live like a cow. :))

    Great Post Mr Penn.

    Reply
  10. Chris Brogan... Avatar
    Chris Brogan…

    The most profound things I’ve learned in 2007 are as follows:

    * There’s a huge difference between being busy and doing something. (most recent revelation).

    * Humans are still the most important focus of everything I do.

    With regards to stepping up, and/or spending time with your instructor, I think that’s amazing. You’ve certainly expressed your growth a great deal here on this site over the last several months. It’s exciting to watch, and inspiring for those around you.

    I find that what I’m learning at present is that I’ve hit a wall, and that I need to move up my game to another level if I’m to continue doing things that I think matter to others and to myself. You’ve been helpful in that regard.

    Peace and more discoveries to us all.

    Reply
  11. Connie Bensen Avatar
    Connie Bensen

    In 2007 I made a commitment to change careers & joining those in new media. People like @jowyang & @chrisbrogan have been so generous in their mentorship.
    I’ve learned that:
    – I thought I was satisfied with the status quo, but I’ve found I LOVE the learning curve enough to launch myself into a new career as a Comm Mgr

    – my genuine interest in people allows me to provide similar mentorship to others & that’s very gratifying to help others (whether it’s my coworkers,customers or peers)

    *it’s all about learning & sharing

    Reply
  12. Dr.Mani Avatar
    Dr.Mani

    My ‘profound knowledge’ this year:

    Email will wait in my inbox, even if I check it only 2 times in a day.

    And life still goes on.

    Surprising, initially.

    Liberating, ultimately 🙂

    Nice post

    All success
    Dr.Mani

    Reply
  13. Michael bailey Avatar
    Michael bailey

    I’ve learned that just because I am passionate about what I do, that is not enough.

    At the end of the day, there are bills to be paid.

    My unrealistic dream of someone taking notice of what I am doing, stepping in to help me out financially, has been shattered.

    In the end, nobody is going to help you – you must help your self.

    Many times I have wished that I didn’t know anything at all, for ignorance is bliss as they say.

    However…..I /WANT/ to make a difference and I /WILL/ make a difference – I’m taking steps at working smarter, and not harder, which is longer learning cycle than I ever imagined.

    Reply
  14. Dennis Mahoney Avatar
    Dennis Mahoney

    Profound knowledge can come from any source. It is that moment when you say to yourself “I get it!”

    In the martial arts there is a problem I call rankism, where people only listen to those that are higher ranked then them and look down at those lower ranked, kind of mirrors many other ‘isms’ in our society.

    Chris is a student at the martial arts school where I study and teach but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from him in the martial arts or especially in pod casting.

    PodCamp Boston 2 was an example of profound knowledge for me. All I can say is, “I get it!” and thanks.

    Reply
  15. ChefMark Avatar
    ChefMark

    engaging others in your possibility is the key to having that possibility become reality.

    You can have literally ANYTHING you want if you authentically get people to engage in it and see it as a possibility for themselves.

    And also, integrity: Do what you say you’re going to do, it’s the key to all success in life.

    Reply
  16. Michelle / chel pixie Avatar
    Michelle / chel pixie

    I’ve learned the most in the last few months by doing. I keep doing and continue to push forward and breakthrough. We both know I’ve hit my walls but I’ve been persistent in the knowledge that I can do more. I can do *anything* that I want. I can make my life what I want it to be.

    What ChefMark says here matters, if you do what you say you’re going to do, then you’ve shown you’re willing to work hard to achieve what you want.

    That was reinforced this morning. These things *are* in my reach, they always have been, it just means continuing to do what I know well (hard work) and being open to learning new things along the way.

    One last thing, do not allow your past to help you put down your accomplishments. Leave everything negative behind. You have a choice to make yourself who you want to be. Only you can take that away through fear or influence of others thoughts. Don’t let that noise get too loud. Believe in what you’ve done and what you are capable of and then do it.

    Reply
  17. Dave Delaney Avatar
    Dave Delaney

    Connect, connect, connect. It is with real life interactions that we grow. The relationships we have online and strong and are becoming stronger, but are really solidified at the conferences and unconferences we attend.

    I have learned that you must network and connect in order to move forward in your life.

    In the last year I have moved to a new city where I knew nobody. Organized a BarCamp with 530+ in attendance. Found a fantastic job with a truly great company and group of people. Bought my first house. Made some great new friends.

    Get out there and connect with your communities. Then come back online to share your stories.

    Cheers Chris. Always love your work.
    Dave

    Reply
  18. Dave Delaney Avatar
    Dave Delaney

    Connect, connect, connect. It is with real life interactions that we grow. The relationships we have online and strong and are becoming stronger, but are really solidified at the conferences and unconferences we attend.

    I have learned that you must network and connect in order to move forward in your life.

    In the last year I have moved to a new city where I knew nobody. Organized a BarCamp with 530+ in attendance. Found a fantastic job with a truly great company and group of people. Bought my first house. Made some great new friends.

    Get out there and connect with your communities. Then come back online to share your stories.

    Cheers Chris. Always love your work.
    Dave

    Reply
  19. John Wall Avatar
    John Wall

    Happiness and pleasure are two different things. What gives you pleasure will not necessarily bring you happiness.

    Reply
  20. John Wall Avatar
    John Wall

    Happiness and pleasure are two different things. What gives you pleasure will not necessarily bring you happiness.

    Reply
  21. Therapy New York Avatar
    Therapy New York

    I have learned a lot about myself over the last four years. I realized that you have to make your own opportunities instead of waiting for someone to give me something. Also, I realized that the decisions I make today will affect my future. I realize instead of thinking up ideas I need to put the ideas into action. I realized that I don’t have to do everything at once but a little at a time.

    Reply
  22. Self Help Audio Books Avatar
    Self Help Audio Books

    That is very true.

    I think the way to really understand something is to both study and try out in practise.

    Reply
  23. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    The most profound piece of knowledge I've recently acquired would be that life functions as a story. The same elements that make a story exciting, engaging, and good are the ones that make a life meaningful.

    And while I wish I could say I came up with that myself, I got it from Donald Miller's new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”

    Reply
  24. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    The most profound piece of knowledge I've recently acquired would be that life functions as a story. The same elements that make a story exciting, engaging, and good are the ones that make a life meaningful.

    And while I wish I could say I came up with that myself, I got it from Donald Miller's new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”

    Reply
  25. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    The most profound piece of knowledge I've recently acquired would be that life functions as a story. The same elements that make a story exciting, engaging, and good are the ones that make a life meaningful.

    And while I wish I could say I came up with that myself, I got it from Donald Miller's new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”

    Reply
  26. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    The most profound piece of knowledge I’ve recently acquired would be that life functions as a story. The same elements that make a story exciting, engaging, and good are the ones that make a life meaningful.

    And while I wish I could say I came up with that myself, I got it from Donald Miller’s new book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”

    Reply
  27. indiaholiday Avatar
    indiaholiday

    yes you are right mr. Brogan

    Reply
  28. indiaholiday Avatar
    indiaholiday

    yes you are right mr. Brogan

    Reply
  29. indiaholiday Avatar
    indiaholiday

    yes you are right mr. Brogan

    Reply
  30. indiaholiday Avatar
    indiaholiday

    yes you are right mr. Brogan

    Reply
  31. indiaholiday Avatar
    indiaholiday

    yes you are right mr. Brogan

    Reply

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